2016 S.H. Figuarts Dragon Ball Z Super Saiyan Goku (Reissue)

The Gold Standard of Dragon Ball Z Figures

Bandai's S.H. Figuarts line has become the definitive home for premium Dragon Ball Z action figures, and the Super Saiyan Goku figure sits at the center of that legacy. The 2016 reissue gave collectors who missed the original run a second chance at one of the most sought-after figures in the line. Today, even the reissue has become a collectible in its own right, with values that reflect the enduring popularity of both the character and the S.H. Figuarts brand.

Standing approximately 5.5 inches tall, this figure captures Goku in his Super Saiyan form with the spiky golden hair, teal eyes, and fierce expression that defined the most popular transformation in anime history. The combination of Bandai's engineering expertise and the timeless appeal of Dragon Ball Z creates a figure that serves both as a display piece and as a highly poseable action figure.

Understanding the S.H. Figuarts Line

S.H. Figuarts (the S.H. stands for "Simple Style & Heroic Action") launched in 2008 as Bandai's premium collector figure line. The Dragon Ball Z sub-line quickly became the line's biggest commercial success, driven by the franchise's massive global fanbase and Bandai's ability to capture Akira Toriyama's character designs with remarkable fidelity.

What sets S.H. Figuarts apart from other Dragon Ball Z figure lines is the combination of factors that collectors value most. The sculpting captures Toriyama's art style precisely, avoiding the overly muscular or stylized interpretations common in other figure lines. The articulation system allows for natural, anime-accurate poses. The paint applications, while mass-produced, achieve a level of quality that outperforms most competitors in the same price bracket.

The Dragon Ball Z S.H. Figuarts figures are manufactured by Tamashii Nations, Bandai's collector-focused brand. They retail in the $40-80 range depending on the character and included accessories, positioning them in the "accessible premium" tier of the collector figure market.

The Reissue Story

The original S.H. Figuarts Super Saiyan Goku (released circa 2012-2013) quickly became one of the most popular and hardest-to-find figures in the line. As the main character's most recognizable form, demand far exceeded supply, and aftermarket prices climbed well above retail.

Bandai's 2016 reissue addressed this demand. Reissues in the S.H. Figuarts line are typically identical or nearly identical to the original release, using the same molds with only minor variations in paint applications or packaging. For most collectors, the reissue provides the same experience as the original at a more accessible price point.

However, some collectors strongly prefer original releases, viewing them as more "authentic" or collectible. This preference creates a two-tier market where original releases command premiums over reissues in equivalent condition.

What You Get in the Box

The 2016 reissue includes the figure and a selection of accessories designed to recreate scenes from Dragon Ball Z:

• Super Saiyan Goku figure with pre-installed standard face

• Multiple interchangeable face plates (typically a shouting expression and a powered-up expression)

• Multiple pairs of interchangeable hands (fists, open hands, Kamehameha hands, gripping hands)

• Energy effect parts for Kamehameha wave

• Display stand and support arm

The accessories allow collectors to display Goku in a range of poses, from a simple standing stance to a full Kamehameha blast complete with translucent blue energy effects.

Value Guide by Condition

Original (pre-reissue) versions of this figure trade at approximately 30-50% premium over the reissue in equivalent condition.

Condition Grading Details

Grade A (Collector Mint): Figure is complete with all accessories in original packaging. All face plates, hands, and effect parts present and undamaged. No paint chips, scuffs, or joint looseness. Packaging shows no shelf wear, crushing, or sun fading. Inner tray intact with all accessories in original positions.

Grade B (Excellent): Complete with all or nearly all accessories. Figure displays perfectly with tight joints and clean paint. One or two very minor issues (tiny paint chip, slight box wear). All face plates swap cleanly and hands fit properly.

Grade C (Very Good): Figure may be missing one or two minor accessories (like an extra pair of hands). Paint is generally clean with minor handling wear. Joints remain functional. Displays well. Box present but may show moderate wear.

Grade D (Good/Fair): Missing several accessories. Paint shows chips or wear from handling and posing. Joints may be loose but figure is still poseable. Effect parts may be absent. Still a displayable figure but clearly well-used.

Common Issues

Joint Looseness: The S.H. Figuarts ball-and-socket joints can loosen with repeated posing, particularly at the hips and shoulders. While not uncommon, severely loose joints impact both display stability and value.

Paint Transfer: When accessories or hands are swapped repeatedly, paint can transfer between parts. This is most visible on the wrist pegs and face plate connection points.

Yellowing: The white portions of Goku's gi can develop subtle yellowing over time, particularly if displayed under warm lighting or in direct sunlight. This is a chemical change in the plastic that cannot be reversed.

Bootleg Copies: The popularity of Dragon Ball Z S.H. Figuarts figures has spawned a large bootleg market. Chinese-manufactured copies are widely available at lower prices. Common tells include lighter weight, less precise face printing, rougher joint tolerances, and packaging with slightly off-color printing or font differences.

Display and Collecting Context

The S.H. Figuarts Dragon Ball Z line encompasses dozens of figures covering characters from across the franchise. The Super Saiyan Goku sits at the heart of any collection, paired naturally with figures like Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and the other Z Fighters.

Bandai has released multiple versions of Goku in the S.H. Figuarts line, including base form, Super Saiyan 2, Super Saiyan 3, Super Saiyan God, Super Saiyan Blue, and Ultra Instinct. Each represents a different transformation or saga. Collectors often pursue the complete Goku evolution as a display theme.

The 2016 reissue Super Saiyan Goku represents the Frieza/Namek Saga appearance, which is arguably the most recognizable version of the character. The first Super Saiyan transformation remains one of the defining moments in anime history, and this figure captures that moment.

Market Trends

The S.H. Figuarts Dragon Ball Z market has matured significantly. Early releases that were once scarce have been reissued multiple times, stabilizing prices for most figures. However, certain versions (particularly first releases and event exclusives) continue to appreciate.

The 2016 reissue has settled into a comfortable value range. It is not the most expensive S.H. Figuarts figure by any measure, but it maintains value above its original retail price, reflecting the consistent demand for this character in this form.

Newer Goku figures with improved sculpting and engineering (like the 2.0 body mold versions) offer superior articulation and anime accuracy. This has created a collector dynamic where some prefer the newer engineering while others value the classic sculpt of the original mold.

For new collectors entering the Dragon Ball Z figure space, the reissue Super Saiyan Goku remains one of the most recommended starting points. It is affordable, widely available, well-engineered, and represents the franchise's most recognizable character in his most recognizable form.

Storage and Care

Store in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. UV exposure causes yellowing and paint fading that cannot be reversed. If displaying long-term, rotate the figure's pose periodically to prevent joint stress.

Keep all accessories in the original tray or a small parts organizer. The small hands and face plates are easy to lose and difficult to replace individually. The energy effect parts are particularly fragile and should be handled carefully to avoid stress marks in the translucent plastic.

For long-term storage in box, store upright in a climate-controlled space. Avoid attics, garages, or storage units with temperature extremes.

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